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EXAMPLE OF CHATGPT
QUESTION: Can you give me a commentary on John 5:1–13, The healing at the Pool of Bethesda. Include important commentary, any interesting facts, key Greek/Hebrew words, and application. My theological leaning is Evangelical Pentecostal.
Here’s a detailed Evangelical Pentecostal commentary on John 5:1–13 (The Healing at the Pool of Bethesda):
Historical and Literary Context
Setting: The Pool of Bethesda (Hebrew: Bethesda = “house of mercy/house of outpouring”). Archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem have confirmed a pool near the Sheep Gate with five covered colonnades—matching John’s description. This grounds the account in real history.
Feast: John does not specify which feast of the Jews this was (v.1). Some suggest Passover, others Pentecost, but John’s focus is theological, not calendrical: the encounter reveals Jesus as the true source of healing and Sabbath rest.
Theme in John: Signs in John’s Gospel are never just miracles—they point to deeper realities about who Jesus is (cf. John 20:30–31).
Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Verses 1–4
The pool was believed to have healing powers when the water was stirred. Some manuscripts include a gloss (v.4, omitted in earliest manuscripts) explaining that an angel stirred the water. Whether or not this was a later addition, it reflects popular Jewish belief at the time.
The five porticoes (colonnades) were crowded with the sick and disabled—representing the brokenness of humanity waiting for hope.
Verse 5
A man had been an invalid for 38 years—longer than Israel wandered in the wilderness (Deut. 2:14). This suggests spiritual symbolism: Israel wandered in weakness, unable to enter rest, just as this man was stuck in hopelessness.
Verse 6
Jesus asks, “Do you want to get well?” (Greek: theleis hugiēs genesthai – “Do you will to become whole?”).
Hugiēs = not just physical health but wholeness, soundness, restoration.
Jesus probes the man’s desire and faith. Sometimes chronic suffering can diminish hope and expectation.
Verse 7
The man responds with despair: “I have no one to help me.” This reveals his isolation and dependence on a system rather than on God. He doesn’t see Jesus as the answer yet.
Verses 8–9
Jesus commands: “Get up, pick up your mat and walk.”
Greek: egeire, aron ton krabatton sou, kai peripatei — imperatives that carry authority.
Egeire (“rise”) is the same root used for resurrection.
Healing is instantaneous and complete, not gradual. The man is restored body and spirit.
The healing occurs on the Sabbath—a deliberate choice, as Jesus reveals Himself as Lord of the Sabbath.
Verses 10–12
The Jewish leaders focus not on the miracle but on the violation of Sabbath law (“carrying your mat”). Religion without revelation blinds people to the mercy of God.
They ask, “Who told you…?”—but not, “Who healed you?” Their concern is legal, not pastoral.
Verse 13
The man did not even know Jesus’ identity. This shows that healing was not based on his faith in Jesus’ name (contrast with Mark 5:34). Instead, it was rooted in Jesus’ sovereign initiative—grace precedes recognition.
Later (v.14, just beyond this passage), Jesus finds him again, showing His desire for ongoing relationship, not just a miracle moment.
Key Theological Insights
Grace before faith: The man did not seek Jesus; Jesus sought him. Pentecostal theology affirms prevenient grace—God moves toward us even in our weakness.
Wholeness (hugiēs): Salvation is holistic—body, soul, and spirit. Healing points to the fuller redemption available in Christ.
Sabbath and New Creation: Jesus heals on the Sabbath to reveal that He is bringing a greater rest (cf. Heb. 4:9–10).
Religious blindness: The legalistic leaders missed the miracle. Pentecostal emphasis: encounter with the Spirit is greater than rigid ritual.
Interesting Notes
The number 38 (years) may intentionally echo Israel’s wilderness wandering—linking the man’s paralysis with Israel’s spiritual paralysis.
The pool of Bethesda was discovered in the 19th century, with evidence of healing shrines connected to Greco-Roman traditions. John contrasts these pagan “healing waters” with the true Living Water, Jesus Himself.
In Greek, the phrase “Do you want to get well?” (v.6) could be rendered, “Do you will to be restored to life?”—echoing themes of new birth.
Application (Evangelical Pentecostal)
Jesus Seeks Us First – Even when we feel overlooked, Jesus knows us and comes to us. His initiative breaks hopeless cycles.
Wholeness in Christ – Healing is not just physical; Christ restores identity, dignity, and destiny. Pentecostals affirm both physical healing and spiritual restoration as kingdom realities.
Faith vs. Excuses – Like the lame man, we can make excuses or depend on systems. Jesus asks us to shift our faith to Him alone.
Obedience Unlocks the Miracle – The man obeyed the word (“pick up your mat and walk”). Faith is expressed in action.
Religion vs. Relationship – The leaders missed the miracle. Pentecostal spirituality calls us to value encounter with Jesus above religious ritual.
Carry Your Mat – The healed man carried the very thing that once carried him. Our testimonies become visible signs of God’s transforming power.
Summary Sentence:
John 5:1–13 reveals Jesus as the true source of healing and wholeness, who by grace seeks out the broken, restores them completely, and calls them to walk in new life beyond the limits of religion and despair.